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Thread: Intro and questions...

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Louisville, NE, USA
    Posts
    29
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 740iL (5/97)

    Intro and questions...

    I just recently picked up a 1998 740iL in Cashmere Beige from the dealership I work for. We had taken it in on trade and I was able to score it for $900. It has just under 140k indicated. I have been lurking since I bought it just to grasp knowledge. I did have them put a brand new battery in the car when I bought it.

    Last night while driving, I ran into an issue with the OBC and cluster freezing. The car ran and drove normally, and the radio worked. I have DSP but no nav. I got the car home and pulled the negative battery cable while looking into a couple of other issues (glovebox latch, rear armrest latch (no ski bag), cigarette lighter fuses), and when I put the cable back on, everything was reset but back to normal. Now the shift indicator light (at the shifter) is staying on. Is this normal operation?

    This is a project car for me. It needs some love, but I believe is worthy of being saved. I do appreciate all of the knowledge here and the answers I have already found. Here are some pics:




  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Louisville, NE, USA
    Posts
    29
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 740iL (5/97)
    VINWBAGJ8323WDM09289

    Type CodeGJ83

    E SeriesE38 (2)

    Series7

    TypeLIM

    Model740IL (USA)

    SteeringLL

    Doors4

    EngineM62

    Displacement4.40

    Power210

    DriveHECK

    TransmissionAUT

    ColourKASCHMIRBEIGE METALLIC (301)

    UpholsterySTANDARDLEDER/BEIGE E36 SANDBEIGE E (N6SN)

    Prod. Date1997-05-22
    S214AAutomatic stability control (ASC+T)
    S216AHYDRO STEERING-SERVOTRONIC
    S245ASteering wheel column adjustment,electr.
    S260ASide airbag for driver/passenger
    S262AITS - Head airbag
    S288ABMW light alloy wheel, cross spoke 29
    S302AAlarm system
    S354AGreen windscreen, green shade band
    S403AGlass roof, electrical
    S423AFloor mats, velours
    S431AInterior mirror with automatic-dip
    S438AFine wood trim
    S441ASmoker package
    S456AComfort seat with memory
    S459ASeat adjuster, electric, with memory
    S473AArmrest front
    S488ALumbar support, driver and passenger
    S494ASeat heating driver/passenger
    S534AAutomatic air conditioning
    S555AOn-board computer V with remote control
    S640APreparation f tel.installation universal
    S645ABMW US Radio
    S672ACD changer for 6 CDs
    S677AHiFi System Professional DSP
    S694AProvisions for BMW 6 CD changer
    S806AThird stoplamp
    S818ABattery master switch
    S850ADummy-SALAPA
    S853ALanguage version English
    S876ARadio frequency 315 MHz
    S925ADummy-SALAPA
    S961ASPECIAL MOTOR
    S992AControl of number-plate attachment

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Rutland, Vermont
    Posts
    4,398
    My Cars
    E30 E38 E46 E85 F150 GTI
    The shifter light should stay on for about 15 mins then go out when the car goes into sleep mode.

    Congrats on the new ride!
    2000 740i Sport | 2004 330xi | 1988 325i Vert | 2003 Z4 2.5 | 1995 Ford F150 | 2018 GTI

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Louisville, NE, USA
    Posts
    29
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 740iL (5/97)
    Awesome...Thank you. I am very happy with it so far. It is by no means perfect, but rides like a dream, and will be even better when I get the front end suspension gone through

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    Phoenix, AZ
    Posts
    840
    My Cars
    1997 740iL (5/96 build)
    welcome to the e38 family. have fun. you may just get addicted...
    1997 740iL; 5/96 build. Purchased 12/04. Off the road build project 2013 - 2021. back on road 3/2021. Became daily driver (only vehicle) 6/12/2021. Still not completed. Stay tuned as the adventure continues.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Louisville, NE, USA
    Posts
    29
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 740iL (5/97)
    I am already addicted...I have always had a soft spot for big sedans. (I am 6' 6"). My last big car was an 01 CVPI, and it just wasn't as refined as I wanted it to be. I am already hooked enough on the 7 to find all the quirks and minor annoyances tolerable and endearing. Not to mention that I can fit a real human in the seat behind me.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    (northeast) Indiana
    Posts
    19,321
    My Cars
    15 650ix GC & 14 X5 50i
    Here's more info about the cars AWAKE & SLEEP modes...that will further explain the little orange light next to the gearshift lever. As long as you don't make a call on the P-bus (lift a door handle, press a button on the remote fob etc)...the car will go to sleep after 16 minutes. The car "AWAKES" when you "make a call" to prepare the car for entry. Certain modules will come to life like the little fan inside the IHKA control module that samples the interior air temperature of the cabin..it draws the air into the left grill of the IHKA across a thermistor which prepares the IHKA to get to the temp you have set:



    Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.

    2015 650ix GC (Moonstone/Cohiba Brown) <<~>> 2014 X5 50i (Space Gray/Mocha)

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Louisville, NE, USA
    Posts
    29
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 740iL (5/97)
    n00b question of the day...How do I reset the oil change/inspection interval indicators on the dash? I had the oil changed at my shop (GM) yesterday.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Greenville, NC
    Posts
    506
    My Cars
    2001 7-S62, 2002 X5 S2,
    Welcome and congrats, it's worth it. That's 15 years talking.

    http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/704428

    Quote Originally Posted by russrad25 View Post
    n00b question of the day...How do I reset the oil change/inspection interval indicators on the dash? I had the oil changed at my shop (GM) yesterday.
    2001 | DINAN 7 Sport | S62 Swapped 6-Speed
    DINAN Springs & Exhaust | 750 Brakes | M-Pars | Monsoons | NBT Nav/Radio
    Dual Pane Glass | Black & Sand Int.

    2001
    | 750iL | AlpineWeiss III

    @scotthduke on Instagram


  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    (northeast) Indiana
    Posts
    19,321
    My Cars
    15 650ix GC & 14 X5 50i
    Quote Originally Posted by russrad25 View Post
    n00b question of the day...How do I reset the oil change/inspection interval indicators on the dash? I had the oil changed at my shop (GM) yesterday.
    Since you have a 98...you'll need to short pins #7 & #19 in the 20 pin DLC located in the engine bay. Unfortunately the link to CarDomain in the post above is no longer valid due to them changing their format a few years ago which fundamentally destroyed the work many members had done prior to the change.

    But to reset the SI display is simple and easy...you just need to carefully determine you've selected the correct pins. They are numerically marked...so you may want to mark them (like in pic below) so that you don't make a mistake.

    If you don't have the dedicated reset tool...you can use something as simple as a wire or needle nosed pliers to short pins 7 & 19 . Once you have your tool to short...follow these instructions:

    • insert tool into the correct pins in the DLC
    • turn ignition to position 2
    • for OIL SERVICE reset...count to 10 seconds...for INSPECTION reset, count to 15 seconds (begin to walk back to engine bay to remove the tool at the correct time interval for whichever SI warning is illuminated)
    • pull tool, then screw 20 pin DLC lid back on
    • walk back around and turn ignition OFF











    Last edited by Qsilver7; 03-02-2018 at 04:03 AM.
    Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.

    2015 650ix GC (Moonstone/Cohiba Brown) <<~>> 2014 X5 50i (Space Gray/Mocha)

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Louisville, NE, USA
    Posts
    29
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 740iL (5/97)
    Thank you! This is definitely a learning experience. I am a shadetree wrench, so not my first rodeo working on cars, but my first BMW experience. Today is going to be spent mostly cleaning and working on some small stuff...

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Louisville, NE, USA
    Posts
    29
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 740iL (5/97)
    Spent about 3 hours cleaning the interior yesterday. Got the front half done, except the carpets. Still can't get the cigarette lighters to work after replacing the fuses...just another thing to add to the list.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Louisville, NE, USA
    Posts
    29
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 740iL (5/97)
    New issue: Car will start then die immediately unless I hold the rpm above idle. will usually only do this when it has been driven within an hour or 2. it is almost like it is loading up with fuel..CEL is on and need to have them pull codes when they do the front lower control arms this week. Will I need an alignment after if they are only doing the front lowers? I am replacing due to tons of play in the ball joints and hoping that corrects the front end shimmy between 50-60.
    Last edited by russrad25; 03-05-2018 at 07:04 PM. Reason: additional info

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Louisville, NE, USA
    Posts
    29
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 740iL (5/97)
    New front lower control arms being installed today!!!

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Hampshire UK
    Posts
    8,871
    My Cars
    99 840ci Sport Indv
    That's a classic sign of a Chinese MAF being fitted - they always seem to do that! Either that or the OEM original is dying, either way it is time for a new one!

    Quote Originally Posted by russrad25 View Post
    New issue: Car will start then die immediately unless I hold the rpm above idle. will usually only do this when it has been driven within an hour or 2. it is almost like it is loading up with fuel..CEL is on and need to have them pull codes when they do the front lower control arms this week. Will I need an alignment after if they are only doing the front lowers? I am replacing due to tons of play in the ball joints and hoping that corrects the front end shimmy between 50-60.
    Timm..2007 E64 650i Individual Sport..1999 E31 840ci Individual Sport..ex owner of 2000 E38 740..1999 E38 740i V8 M62..1998 E38 735i V8..1993 E32 730i V8..1988 E28 518i


    My BMW Repair YouTube Channel
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  16. #16
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Location
    San Diego
    Posts
    752
    My Cars
    1998 E38 750iL
    Quote Originally Posted by russrad25 View Post
    New front lower control arms being installed today!!!
    Definitely need an alignment.

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Louisville, NE, USA
    Posts
    29
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 740iL (5/97)
    Man I love driving this car. I am hooked!!! It has its faults, and has been neglected, but it is strong in all the right spots. The rehab is beginning one step at a time...

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Louisville, NE, USA
    Posts
    29
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 740iL (5/97)
    And...the trans went into failsafe mode last night...ugh. It happened as I was driving home. I got on it once, then when I went to accelerate again, it was in failsafe...No code reader as of yet, so unknown if there are any trans codes. Will a battery disconnect reset to see if there is an actual issue with the trans?

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Toronto, Ontario
    Posts
    3,895
    My Cars
    '95 740i
    Trans failsafe could be a result of low voltage - dead/dying battery. WHICH could be a result of bad alternator and on and on and on.

    ALSO could be a result of mis-matched tires, I've seen it happen on my car.

    Simple answer: Check the battery voltage while the car is off, then at idle. Off should be 12.4-12.5 and on should be 13-14.5v.

    || 1995 740i || M60B40 || DUDMD || ̶o̶r̶i̶e̶n̶t̶ ̶b̶l̶u̶e̶ Mercedes Brilliant Blue Metallic || Style 168 Wheels 1" Spacers ||



  20. #20
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Louisville, NE, USA
    Posts
    29
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 740iL (5/97)
    Jamos,

    Battery was new 1 mo ago. Tires are all the same size/brand. Trans will not go into first, then goes into limp mode. reverse does work. I am thinking it is time to teach myself how to rebuild a transmission...

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Location
    Mass
    Posts
    113
    My Cars
    2016 340i XDrive M-Sport
    Quote Originally Posted by russrad25 View Post
    Jamos,

    Battery was new 1 mo ago. Tires are all the same size/brand. Trans will not go into first, then goes into limp mode. reverse does work. I am thinking it is time to teach myself how to rebuild a transmission...
    You have the valve body, solenoids and TCU to try to figure out if they have failed first, before you rebuild the mechanical aspect of the transmission. A lot of times it's an electrical issue as mentioned above before it's a mechanical failure.

  22. #22
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Louisville, NE, USA
    Posts
    29
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 740iL (5/97)
    Here are the symptoms. After a full throttle run to the top of first, I let off. When I got back on the gas, it felt like I had lost first gear. Now, from a dead stop, it will rev without movement, and then go into trans failsafe mode (2nd gear?) and allow the car to move. Manually shifting to any gear produces no change. I do have reverse. Disconnecting the battery did remove the failsafe, but it came back immediately after trying to put the car in drive.

    I ask the great brain trust for ideas...

  23. #23
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Louisville, NE, USA
    Posts
    29
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 740iL (5/97)
    Still have not had time to dig in and diag...i should probably disconnect the battery if it's going to sit much longer...

  24. #24
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Louisville, NE, USA
    Posts
    29
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 740iL (5/97)
    Life just gets in the way...Still trying to find time to diag the trans issue. so she sits in the driveway while I try and shorten the honey-do list a little. Hopefully the weather will break a little bit and I will be able to start the diag process.

  25. #25
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Rutland, Vermont
    Posts
    4,398
    My Cars
    E30 E38 E46 E85 F150 GTI
    I can empathize. My green car has been hogging my half of the garage for months. That’s about to change.
    2000 740i Sport | 2004 330xi | 1988 325i Vert | 2003 Z4 2.5 | 1995 Ford F150 | 2018 GTI

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